Ever walked away from school pick-up mentally exhausted from awkward small talk, unspoken social rules, or overthinking what you said? You’re not alone.

For ADHD and autistic mums, pick-up isn’t just about collecting your child - it’s a social minefield that can leave you feeling wiped out, anxious, or like you somehow “got it wrong.”

But what if school pick-up didn’t have to be so exhausting?

In this episode:

• How to stop replaying conversations in your head for hours after pick-up.
• A simple way to handle small talk without draining your energy.
• When masking is helpful and when it’s just not worth it.
• How to know who’s worth your energy (and when to let go of the guilt).
• What to do when rejection sensitivity kicks in and you start spiralling.

If school pick-up feels awkward, exhausting, or just too much, this episode is for you.

👉 Grab my guide Navigating School Pick-Up: A Guide for ADHD Mums - it’s full of real-life scripts and strategies to help you feel more confident. Get it for $30 on my website.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: School pick-up, ADHD mums, autistic mums, social exhaustion, overthinking social interactions, small talk anxiety, masking, rejection sensitivity, social burnout, managing social energy, neurodivergent parenting, awkward social situations, playground dynamics, navigating school pick-up, ADHD social skills, ADHD and masking, social overwhelm, avoiding small talk, decoding neurotypical communication, school pick-up anxiety, ADHD mum life, neurodivergent communication, ADHD-friendly strategies, ADHD and social interactions, ADHD and social anxiety, ADHD mum struggles, ADHD-friendly parenting tips.

Mentioned in this episode:

A Guide to Navigating School Pick-Up

If school pick-up feels like an Olympic sport you forgot to train for, this guide is for you. Packed with relatable stories, actionable tips, and easy-to-use scripts, Navigating School Pick-Up is designed to help...

Thousands of families are being blindsided by the latest NDIS cuts, with children losing essential support before new systems are in place. Parents are being told their child has “achieved their goals” - only to be left scrambling for therapy they still desperately need. If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or just plain angry, you’re not alone.

In this episode, Nicole Rogerson joins me for a straight-talking, no-nonsense conversation about what’s happening, why it matters, and what we can do right now to fight for our children’s support.

Nicole is the founding director of Autism Awareness Australia, a trusted, independent source of information for our community since 2007. For over 18 years, she’s cut through misinformation, fought for real change, and helped families like ours navigate a system that too often leaves us behind.

She is one of Australia’s leading spokespersons for autism awareness and understanding. She has appeared on 60 Minutes, The 7.30 Report, Today, A Current Affair, Australian Story, and The Australian Women’s Weekly, using every platform possible to make sure our voices are heard.

But above all, Nicole’s an autism mum. Her eldest son, Jack, is the reason she does this work - and why she’s so committed to making sure we have the information and support we need.

📌 Learn more about Nicole and her work here: Autism Awareness Australia

If your family has been impacted by these cuts, submit your experience here:

👉 NDIS Changes Impact Form

Resources mentioned:

Autism Awareness Australia - email office@autismawareness.com.au

Nicole Rogerson on ABC News 24 | National Autism Strategy

Autism Awareness Australia - In the media

Email templates to local MP

ADHD Mums Facebook Group

Jotform - https://form.jotform.com/242968415771871

Related Episodes:

The NDIS Shake-Up and National Autism Strategy: What Jane Really Thinks. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Explaining ADHD to Your Child: Why It Matters (Part 1). Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Episode

Ever feel like you're the default manager of every school-related task - lunches, library books, permission slips, and last-minute costume days? The mental load of the school year is relentless, and if you're a neurodivergent mum, it’s even harder.

This episode dives into why the school-year mental load feels so overwhelming and offers practical strategies to help lighten it - without burning out.

In this episode:

• Why the mental load is so exhausting - the invisible, never-ending tasks that pile up
• Batch planning and automation tips to reduce decision fatigue and keep things running smoothly
• Sharing the load with partners, kids, and even external systems to avoid carrying it all alone
• Breaking free from perfectionism and letting go of unrealistic societal expectations
• Preventing burnout by setting boundaries, redefining priorities, and making space for you

ADHD Mums Facebook community

Follow ADHD Mums on Instagram

ADHD Planner and Personal Values Workbook

Stop People Pleasing episode

Dr Winnicott: “Good Enough” Parenting

The Fair Play Deck Game

A Guide to School Pick-Up for ADHD Mums

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: ADHD mums, mental load, school stress, executive dysfunction, decision fatigue, batch planning, school routines, working mum overwhelm, school organisation, ADHD parenting, school year survival, time management, mum burnout, shared parenting, invisible labour, emotional load, ADHD executive function, school admin stress, automation for mums, family calendar, school lunches, permission slips, neurodivergent mum, ADHD overwhelm, mum guilt, mental load strategies, household management, school planning hacks, ADHD-friendly...